Ballia Shootout: Cattle Smuggler Injured in Late-Night Police Encounter
A suspected cattle smuggler was injured and arrested after a late-night shootout with police in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
A high-tension midnight operation by the police in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, ended with a suspected cattle smuggler being shot in the leg and arrested. The incident took place during a routine patrol when officers intercepted a suspect who allegedly attempted to open fire on the police team.
Midnight Clash at Shahpur Nat Basti
The encounter unfolded late Saturday night, around 12:55 AM, in the jurisdiction of the Gadwar police station. Acting on credible intelligence, a police team was conducting checking operations near the canal culvert in Shahpur Nat Basti when they spotted the suspect.
According to official reports, as the police team moved in to surround the individual, the suspect resisted arrest and opened fire with the intent to kill the officers. In an act of self-defense, the police retaliated, resulting in the suspect sustaining a bullet injury to his left leg.
Identity of the Accused
The arrested man has been identified as 32-year-old Sugni Nat, son of Aziz Nat (also known as Parshuram Nat). He is reported to be a resident of Alampur village in the Ballia district.
Following the shootout, the police ensured the suspect received immediate medical attention. He was transported to the Community Health Center in Ratsar, where he remains under medical supervision and police custody.
Illegal Weaponry Recovered
During a search of the encounter site, the police recovered several incriminating items, including:
- One illegal .315 bore country-made pistol.
- Two empty cartridges.
- One live cartridge.
The Smuggling Network
During preliminary questioning, Sugni Nat allegedly confessed to his involvement in a criminal gang. He admitted to the cruel practice of transporting stray cattle in vehicles from Uttar Pradesh to Bihar, where the animals were destined for slaughter.
The Ballia police are now using the information provided by the suspect to dismantle the wider smuggling network. Authorities have launched a manhunt to track down and arrest the remaining accomplices who are still at large.